V.V.S Laxman played a majestic inning of 109 runs of 142 balls at Sydney to help India mount a spirited reply to Australian 463 runs on second day of 2nd test match at Sydney. At close of play Indians were 216/3 with Saurav Ganguly batting on 21 runs and Sachin Tendulkar on 9.
Laxman involves in an outstanding partnership of 175 runs for the second wicket with solid Rahul Dravid (53 runs of 160 balls) before Wasim Jaffer got out of an no ball bowled by Brett Lee for 3 runs.
In the partnership of 175 runs Australian wicketkeeper did give both of them a chance by dropping some simple catches behind the wicket. Before close of play both batsman departed in quick succession. First to go was Rahul Dravid who was caught at first slip by Hayden on bowling of Mitchell Johnson after just reaching his half century. In the very next over Brad Hogg gets rid of Laxman when he was on 109 runs.
Laxman, who had two centuries in both his previous outings at the SCG, carried on with the tradition with a blazing knock, his 12 Test hundred that included 18 signature boundaries, while Dravid dropped anchor from the other end.
Rahul Dravid who was caught of a no ball early in his innings continues to ride his luck and was also dropped two times by Gilchrist. However after reaching his first fifty on this tour, laps of concentration he gave simple catch to first slip.
Earlier Austrlia started with their overnights score of 376/7 and manage to add another 87 runs before bowled out for 463 runs. Andrew Symonds remains unbeaten on 162 runs. Brett Lee (59 runs of 121 balls) also manages to chip in with yet another half-century for his team.
RP Singh, who demolished Australia's top order on the first day, finished with 4-124, while captain Anil Kumble also took 4-106. Harbhajan Singh took the remaining two scalps, giving away 108 runs.
Umpiring error continues to hurt India on 2nd day of play also, first when Symonds was stumped by Dhoni but Steve Bucknor didn’t called for 3rd umpire but replay shows his foot was in the air. Second Wasim Jaffer bowled out of a no-ball but Mark Benson not able to see the same.
Match Summary (Day2 at Stumps)
Australia 1st Inning (463/10)
Andrew Symonds – 162*Brad Hogg – 79
R.P Singh – 4/124
Anil Kumble – 4/106
India 1st Inning (216/3)
V.V.S Laxman – 109Rahul Dravid – 53
Brett Lee – 1/34
Bradd Hogg – 1/48
India Vs Australia Highlights – 2nd Test Day2 at Sydney
